Virat Kohli Achieves Historic Milestone in ODI Cricket

Kohli Sets New Record in ODI History

Star batsman Virat Kohli of the Indian cricket team has once again showcased his exceptional talent by setting a remarkable record in One Day International (ODI) cricket. During the first match of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, Kohli reached his 12th run, marking a significant achievement. He has now become the first and only player in the world to surpass 13,000 runs while batting at number three in ODI history. The legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting follows him in this exclusive list, having scored 12,662 runs in his career while batting at the same position.

When comparing the top players with the most runs at number three in ODIs, Kohli leads with over 13,000 runs at an impressive average of 61.61. Ricky Ponting ranks second with 12,662 runs (average 42.48), followed by Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara with 9,747 runs (average 44.71), South Africa's Jacques Kallis with 7,774 runs (average 45.72), and New Zealand's Kane Williamson with 6,504 runs (average 51.61). Before the match against New Zealand, Kohli's ODI career statistics included 15,109 runs from 317 matches and 305 innings, featuring 55 centuries and 79 half-centuries, with a personal best score of 183 runs.

In the match, New Zealand set a modest target of 185 runs for India. After winning the toss, Indian captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first, a decision that proved to be wise. The Indian bowling attack, filled with bounce and pace, dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, which was all out for just 185 runs in 40.2 overs. Tim Seifert was the top scorer for New Zealand with 38 runs, while lower-order batsmen Blair Tickner and Glenn Phillips contributed 34 and 30 runs, respectively.

The strategy of including four fast bowlers in the Indian bowling lineup paid off effectively. Arshdeep Singh, despite being slightly expensive, took four wickets. Young fast bowler Gurnoor Barad claimed three wickets for 44 runs, while Anshul Kamboj bowled economically, taking two crucial wickets for just 22 runs in his 10 overs. In response to the target of 186 runs, the Indian team started steadily despite an early setback. Opening batsman and former captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck, but captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli stabilized the innings, guiding the team towards victory.